oh yes a bit on respiration. nematode cysts can go dormant for many years (see anguina triticii) without exhibiting any perceptible respiration or metabolism. so can tardigrades, and many bacteria and fungi. not to mention seed which are dormant sometimes for centuries. are we to conder these objects alive or dead????? are human embryos frozen at liquid n2 temps alive or dead. they certainly are not going to respire at those temps!!!!!
Label: Non-Sarcastic